The world’s shortest international flights that offer a unique experience

While big long-haul flights attract attention, there’s almost something funny about very short international flights. These little hops—often across islands or borders—make you wonder what “flying out” really means.

The OAG says the 10 shortest international flights are just kilometers long, moving people across borders in minutes. Most are in the Caribbean, while others connect cities or cross major rivers. For travelers, it’s a fun bucket list item; For local people, they are indispensable. So, in short (briefly) as we count these flights, from really short to “super” short.

Antigua to Montserrat (55 km) – Caribbean Express

Kicking off our list is the Fly Montserrat trip from Antigua to Montserrat, which is kind of long for this list. At 55 km, the 20-minute flight offers travelers a great view of the Caribbean. It is an important link to the British overseas region, and the airport’s location, surrounded by peaks and ash, adds to the appeal of short flights.

British Virgin Islands to US Virgin Islands (46 km) – Island-hopping essential

Only 46 km separates Terence B. Litsom Airport in the British Virgin Islands and Cyril E. King Airport in the US Virgin Islands. Cape Air and Air Sunshine have multiple daily flights on this route, making it easy for people on board to travel between the two destinations. Looking at the boats, it’s more like a speedboat with wings than a flight – great for continuing your walk across the border to your beach bar.

Tomorrow to St. Maarten (44 km) – Runway Trial Ride

Vanier Airlines flies 44 kilometers from Saba to St. Maarten using the world’s shortest commercial runway – just 400 meters on a hill in Saba. The 15-minute flight requires precision but rewards brave passengers with a spectacular landing at Princess Juliana Airport, where planes take off near Maho Beach. It’s a quick shot of aviation adrenaline, connecting the small Caribbean region of Holland with the big one.

Anguilla to St. Barthelemy (40 km) – Dream Island Dash

Tradewind Aviation and Anguilla Air Services operate this 40km journey between two unique Caribbean islands: the tranquil beaches of Anguilla and the beautiful beaches of St Barthelemy. The short journey—often less than 15 minutes—feels like a private yacht trip without the seasickness. For the rich, it’s a quick way to trade fancy bread for popular bread.

Hong Kong to Macau (37 km) – Helicopter high-rollers

Skyship helicopters travel 37 kilometers between Special Administrative Regions of China and take a 15-minute luxury trip across the South China Sea. Departing from Hong Kong, the helicopter shunts traffic around the Pearl River Delta, dropping off VIPs at casinos in Macau. It’s less about distance and more about arriving in style—think skyline selfies at 1,000 feet.

St. Barthelemy to St. Maarten (Dutch side) (31 km) – Bilingual Coastal Run

Winair, Air Caraïbes, and St. Barth Commuter flies passengers from St. Barthelemy to the Dutch side of St. Maarten 31 km. This 15-minute flight is typical for Caribbean travelers, offering a variety of islands: French style on one side, Dutch Deuteronomy on the other. With views of peaks like Pic Paradis, it’s a beautiful journey between rose and rum.

St. Barthelemy to St. Martin (French side) (31 km) – Two Island Tango

Like the latter, St. Barts Commuter and Air Antilles fly the same 31 km to the French side of St. Maarten in 15 minutes. beautiful water Sometimes, the most exciting flights are clocked in mere minutes, proving that good things really do come in small packages. Geography and human ingenuity combine to create these strange hops. In an era obsessed with long flights, these little trips remind us that less really can be more, and that boundaries are as clear as the summer breeze.

Brazzaville to Kinshasa (24 km) – river crossing behemoths

The Brazzaville to Kinshasa Link, a 24-kilometer stretch along the Congo River, connects the Congolese capital of Brazzaville with its sister city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Somewhat unbelievably, Air France sometimes employs a Boeing 787 Dreamliner for this leg of its transatlantic journeys, turning the wide-body jet into something of a spectacular sight. Royal Air Maroc, Air Cote d’Ivoire, Asky, and TAAG Angola airlines also participate, which cross a busy border; Diplomats and businessmen alike prefer to sail with this swift breeze.

St. Maarten to Anguilla (19 km) – Last teaser

Consider the St. Maarten to Anguilla route, just 19 km. Anguilla Airlines shuttles passengers between the Dutch-Caribbean hub of St. Maarten and Anguilla’s tranquil, white-sand beaches in about ten minutes. However, security lines may feel longer than the actual flight! It’s a flight that brought some amusement at check-in: “Do we even need to get off the plane?”

Monaco to Nice (19 km) – Riviera Roter Rush

Then there is the nice trip from Monaco. Monacor’s helicopters cover the 19 kilometers that separate the charming kingdom of Monaco and France’s Cote d’Azur, in ten minutes. For Formula 1 fans and boat owners, it’s the ultimate upgrade from the traffic jams of the A8 highway, offering an aerial view of the azure waters and cliffs. Forget passport control – this is pure Mediterranean bliss. Why drive when you can ride above it all?